The Principal's Office: A Primer for Balanced Leadership

by Jan Irons Harris

Overview

The Principal's Office is a practical book. It is simple, easy-to-read, and packed with straightforward, personal advice gleaned from years of real experience. The current or future principal will receive words of wisdom from an author who knows what it is like to serve in the principal's office. This primer addresses the concept of effective leadership in the principal's office with a holistic approach. It is designed to help readers understand the four areas of our being - spiritual, physical, intellectual, and emotional. From personal values and inspiration to clothing choices and exercise, this book touches on all the topics essential to a healthy and successful turn as a principal. When we understand these different areas along with the fundamental need to maintain balance in the four areas, we are better equipped for success in the principal's office.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781578868391
Publisher:	R&L Education
Publication date:	09/05/2008
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	186
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.80(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Jan Irons Harris, a former principal, is superintendent of Cullman City Schools (AL)

Table of Contents

Part 1 Spiritual Balance
Chapter 2 Your Internal Glue: Mission, Foundation, Values, Goals and Beliefs
Chapter 3 Renew and Refine: Strengthen Your Internal Glue
Chapter 4 Separate Church and State
Chapter 5 Proactivity: Avoid Potholes with Accountability and Guidance from a Mentor
Chapter 6 The Principal Models Character Education
Chapter 7 Give Credit Where Due and Put a Little Light on It
Chapter 8 Tests and Examinations: Life in the Fishbowl and Directing Traffic Naked
Chapter 9 Be an Original
Part 10 Physical Balance
Chapter 11 Body Maintenance: Rest, Play and Exercise
Chapter 12 Physical Fuel: Food and Water
Chapter 13 Presentation: Grooming, Posture, Confidence, Clothes, Accessories and Shoes
Chapter 14 Output: Manners and Communication
Chapter 15 Time and Memory
Part 16 Intellectual Balance
Chapter 17 Be Professional and Stick to the Book
Chapter 18 Have a Plan
Chapter 19 Build Your Winning Team
Chapter 20 Power and the Power of the Pen
Chapter 21 Discipline: Be Fair, Firm and Consistent
Chapter 22 Model Effective Use of 21st Century Technology
Chapter 23 Public Relations, Politics and Decision-Making
Chapter 24 Read, Study and Turn off the Television
Part 25 Emotional Balance
Chapter 26 Teflon Mentality and Walnuts
Chapter 27 Delegate and Learn to Say No
Chapter 28 Create Inspiring and Productive Learning Environments
Chapter 29 Forgiveness and Service to Others
Chapter 30 Stress, 24/7 Responsibility and Thankfulness
Chapter 31 Do Your Homework

Editorial Reviews

Effective leadership is a Herculean task, especially during this age of intense scrutiny and accountability. Jan Harris Irons' work illuminates a path through the complex world of the principal. Through well crafted examples, anecdotes, and personal reflections, Jan provides insight into becoming a well-balanced individual and, ultimately, a well-balanced school leader. Her book is a "must" read for novice principals.

Dr. Molly P. Howard

The entire Leadership Team at Allegheny Valley has a copy of The Principal's Office by Dr. Jan Harris. Without a doubt, this book offers a lot for consideration and is an excellent guide in further educating newer administrators and reinforcing important points for those with experience.

Cheryl A. Griffith

The Principal's Office is a must read for all new principals. Not only is it an excellent "how to" book for new school administrators, but it successfully demonstrates how a Principal's own core values play an integral role in developing their leadership style.

Ron Saunders

[This] work is relevant, practical and inspiring. The Principal's Office provides the reader with a blueprint on how to succeed on a daily basis as a principal and as a person.

Mark Edwards

This is a wonderful book for many reasons. Most importantly, I think, because it provides a touchstone to navigate life as a school leader...This is a book to help us stay grounded: to hold onto the good things, to travel the high road, to do the right things. As such, it is a book full of wisdom.

from the foreword by Joseph Murphy